I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed something quietly shifting at weddings lately. Maybe it’s just me being nosy (journalist’s habit), but I can’t help sneaking a peek at the engagement rings during the champagne toasts. And lately, one shape keeps catching the light: oval.
Not just any oval, though — we’re talking oval lab grown diamond engagement rings. Elegant, slightly elongated, and glimmering in that understated, effortless way that’s somehow both classic and modern. They’re popping up everywhere — from Bondi brunches to Byron Bay elopements.
And honestly, I get it. There’s something timeless about that stretched, oval silhouette — it flatters every hand shape, and it sparkles like it’s got a secret to tell. But what really surprised me was how many of these diamonds are lab grown.
I decided to dig a little deeper.
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A New Kind of Diamond Story
Here’s what most people still don’t realise: lab grown diamonds aren’t “fakes.” They’re not cubic zirconia or moissanite or any of those other sparkly stand-ins that lose their lustre after a few years.
They’re real diamonds — just grown in a lab instead of mined from the earth. Same carbon structure, same hardness, same fire and brilliance. The only difference? Their origin story.
Think of it like this: if a rose blooms naturally in the wild or in a greenhouse, it’s still a rose. It still smells, feels, and looks exactly the same.
That’s what’s happening with diamonds now — except instead of being dug up from deep within the earth, they’re created in high-tech labs using a process that replicates the conditions in which natural diamonds form.
And yes, that’s where science gets beautifully romantic.
Why Oval?
Oval diamonds have this fascinating dual personality. They’re elegant and refined, but also warm and approachable. Unlike the sharp-edged glamour of a princess cut or the stark symmetry of a round brilliant, the oval shape feels softer — almost vintage, even when paired with a minimalist setting.
It also has a sneaky advantage: because of the elongated shape, it tends to look larger than other cuts of the same carat weight. It draws the eye along the finger, creating that graceful, lengthened look so many people love.
When I spoke with a jeweller friend in Paddington, she said the oval cut’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past three years, especially among couples who want something “classic, but not cliché.”
“People are realising,” she said, “that an oval lab grown diamond engagement ring gives them the same sparkle and prestige — but with a modern conscience.”
The Ethical Sparkle
That phrase stuck with me: a modern conscience.
Because, let’s be honest, the romance of diamonds has always had a complicated side. Mining, labour, environmental impact — these are conversations that used to happen quietly. Not anymore.
Younger couples are more informed and more intentional than ever before. They want a ring that not only tells their love story but also aligns with their values.
Lab grown diamonds offer that peace of mind. They’re free from the environmental toll of large-scale mining, they avoid the murky ethics of diamond supply chains, and they’re often created using renewable energy.
It’s sustainability you can actually see glittering back at you.
When you think about it, it’s kind of poetic — love that’s not built on someone else’s loss.
Let’s Talk Price (Because Everyone’s Thinking It)
Here’s where the practicality kicks in.
Lab grown diamonds typically cost 30–50% less than their mined counterparts. That’s not pocket change — that’s thousands of dollars that can go toward a honeymoon, a home deposit, or even a bigger stone if that’s your thing.
And because lab grown diamonds are identical in chemical composition, you’re not “settling” for anything less. It’s the same sparkle, same certification, same luxury — just without the markup that comes from centuries of old-school mining tradition.
A few months ago, I visited a boutique jeweller that specialises in custom engagement rings. They had two ovals side by side — one mined, one lab grown — both around 1.5 carats. I couldn’t tell the difference. Neither could the gemologist standing next to me, until she looked at the microscopic laser inscription identifying the lab origin.
That was the moment I truly understood why so many couples are switching.
If you’re curious to see what these look like in real life, check out some of the designs at oval lab grown diamond engagement ring collections online. They’re not your grandmother’s engagement rings — these pieces are clean, elegant, and beautifully customisable.
The Emotional Factor
You might think a “lab grown” diamond sounds clinical — too scientific for something as emotional as an engagement. But here’s the twist: a lot of couples I spoke to said the opposite.
Knowing their diamond was created with purpose — not by chance, but by choice — actually made it more meaningful.
“It felt like we were building our love story from scratch,” one bride told me. “Not relying on something ancient or mined. Just something new, ours, and intentional.”
And honestly, I kind of love that sentiment. It turns technology into something deeply human.
Because in the end, what’s more romantic than the idea of a diamond — a symbol of forever — created through human ingenuity and care, not exploitation or accident?
Trends & Settings: What’s Hot Right Now
If you’re wondering what styles are trending with oval lab grown diamonds, it’s all about balance — combining that timeless oval shape with modern minimalism.
Here’s what’s popular in Australia right now:
- Hidden halos: a subtle row of small diamonds tucked underneath the centre stone. It’s understated but adds a secret sparkle when the light hits.
- Thin solitaire bands: sleek, gold or platinum bands that make the oval appear even larger and more striking.
- East-West settings: turning the oval horizontally across the finger for a bold, fashion-forward look.
- Two-stone “Toi et Moi” rings: meaning “you and me” — often pairing an oval with a pear or marquise cut. It’s a symbolic favourite among creative couples.
If you’re exploring styles and want a bit of guidance on what not to do (trust me, there are pitfalls), this guide to lab grown diamonds offers a smart buyer’s checklist. It’s practical, down-to-earth advice that helps you avoid the rookie mistakes people make when shopping under pressure.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Really the Future?
Every trend has its skeptics. I get that.
Some still believe that a “real” diamond must come from the ground — that its age and rarity are part of its romance. But here’s the thing: rarity is changing.
As technology advances, lab grown diamonds are redefining what luxury means. It’s no longer just about scarcity; it’s about story, ethics, and design.
In the same way electric cars and ethical fashion reshaped their industries, lab grown gems are doing the same to jewellery. It’s not about replacing the old traditions entirely — it’s about evolving them.
I like to think of it as the next chapter in the diamond story, one that fits beautifully with where the world is heading: mindful, innovative, and quietly revolutionary.
The Australian Perspective
In Australia, we’ve always had this down-to-earth approach to luxury — we appreciate quality, but we don’t like pretense. That’s part of why lab grown diamonds are resonating here so strongly.
Couples want something meaningful, sustainable, and beautifully crafted, but they’re also savvy. They’d rather invest in something with transparent origins than pay extra just for the sake of tradition.
And the jewellery scene here is thriving because of it. Independent jewellers, especially in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, are leading the charge with ethically sourced and lab grown designs that still feel one-of-a-kind.
There’s this unspoken pride in wearing something that’s not just beautiful — but also responsible.
Final Thoughts
If you’d told me five years ago that lab grown diamonds would become one of the biggest engagement ring trends in Australia, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. But here we are — and it makes perfect sense.
The oval cut, with its balance of classic romance and modern style, is the perfect match for this new wave of conscious luxury. It’s timeless, flattering, and feels just a little different — in the best possible way.
So whether you’re about to pop the question, or simply daydreaming about the kind of sparkle that feels like you, an oval lab grown diamond engagement ring might just be that sweet spot between heart and head — beauty and ethics, emotion and innovation.
